Introduction: The importance of choosing the Lord
Eric Liddel
Martin Luther

Recap
Genesis 3:15 – The Promise
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and now Joshua

The Book of Joshua
First book after the Pentateuch
Genre – historical
Author – Joshua
Setting – Israel’s conquest of the promise land

4 sections
Chapters 1-5: Crossing into the land
Chapters 6-12: Taking the land
Chapters 13-21: Dividing the land
Chapters 22-24: Serving the Lord in the land

Crossing into the land
Who is Joshua
The call to know and obey the scriptures – Joshua 1:7-9
The commander of the Lord’s army – Joshua 5:13-15

Taking the land
The land promised is taken – Exodus 6:3-4
The Lord fights for Israel – Joshua 10:8-14

Does God command genocide?
-God has absolute rights of ownership over all people and places
-God is holy, just and righteous
-All deserve God’s justice, not mercy
-The Canaanites were enemies of God
-God’s actions were not genocide
-A picture of future judgement

The battle of sin in our own lives

Dividing the land
The fulfillment of the covenant promise – Joshua 21:43-45
There is an eternal rest to come – Hebrews 4:8

Serving the Lord in the land
The choice for the people – Joshua 24:14-15
What will we choose?